Position Summary
- Beacon House DC is seeking a passionate, engaging, and student-centered Youth Development Mentor (YDM) to lead 3 grade Spark Lab, our academic enrichment and Homework Lab program for students in Grades 2–4.
- Spark Lab provides a safe, engaging, and supportive learning environment where students strengthen foundational academic skills, develop confidence, and discover the joy of learning. Through structured homework support, hands-on enrichment, literacy experiences, STEM exploration, and social-emotional learning, the Youth Development Mentor helps students build the skills they need to thrive both in and out of the classroom.
- The ideal candidate is a positive role model who believes every child can succeed and is committed to creating an engaging, nurturing, and inclusive learning environment.
About Spark Lab
Spark Lab combines academic support with engaging enrichment experiences designed to reinforce classroom learning while fostering creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking.
- Students participate in:
- Structured Homework Lab block
- Reading and literacy enrichment
- Hands-on STEM investigations
- Math games and problem-solving activities
- Creative arts integration
- Social-emotional learning
- Team-building and collaborative projects
Essential Responsibilities
- Academic Support
- Lead a structured Homework Lab block that helps students complete assignments while building independence, organization, and study skills.
- Provide individualized and small-group academic support in reading, writing, and mathematics.
- Differentiate instruction to meet the diverse learning needs of students.
- Foster a growth mindset by encouraging perseverance, curiosity, and confidence.
- Successfully pass all required criminal background checks and child protection clearances.
- Maintain current CPR/First Aid certification (or obtain within the required timeframe).
- Complete all required Beacon House onboarding and professional development trainings.
- Comply with all Beacon House policies, procedures, confidentiality requirements, and child safety protocols.
- Reliable transportation and consistent attendance are essential.
Program Facilitation
- Plan and facilitate engaging enrichment activities that reinforce academic concepts through hands-on learning.
- Implement Beacon House curriculum with fidelity while adapting activities to meet student interests and needs.
- Facilitate literacy, STEM, project-based learning, and enrichment experiences that encourage exploration and creativity.
- Collaborate with volunteers and tutors to maximize student engagement and academic success.
Youth Development
- Build positive, caring relationships with students that promote belonging, confidence, and social-emotional growth.
- Create a welcoming, inclusive, and culturally responsive classroom environment.
- Model positive behavior, leadership, teamwork, and respectful communication.
- Support students in developing self-regulation, responsibility, and problem-solving skills.
Classroom & Program Management
- Establish and maintain consistent classroom routines and expectations.
- Implement positive behavior support strategies aligned with Beacon House's behavior management framework.
- Ensure student safety and actively supervise youth during all program activities.
- Prepare materials and maintain an organized learning environment.
Family & Team Collaboration
- Communicate student successes and concerns with the Education Programs Manager and Student Success Coordinator.
- Collaborate with staff, volunteers, tutors, and families to support student growth.
- Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and professional development opportunities.
Documentation & Program Quality
- Maintain accurate attendance and program documentation.
- Collect student work samples and program data as requested.
- Support continuous program improvement through reflection and feedback.
Required Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent required; college coursework or a degree in Education, Child Development, Youth Development, Human Services, or a related field is preferred.
- Candidates without a bachelor's degree will be considered if they possess at least three (3) years of progressively responsible experience working with youth or leading educational programs.
- Minimum of three (3) years of experience working with elementary-aged youth in schools, afterschool programs, camps, or community-based organizations.
- Experience facilitating academic enrichment or tutoring programs preferred.
- Strong classroom management and relationship-building skills.
- Knowledge of elementary literacy and mathematics concepts.
- Ability to create engaging, hands-on learning experiences.
- Strong organizational, communication, and collaboration skills.
- Ability to work independently while contributing positively to a team environment.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to actively supervise and engage youth throughout the duration of the program.
- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods (up to 3 hours at a time).
- Ability to bend, kneel, squat, and sit on the floor when working with students.
- Ability to lift and carry program materials, supplies, and equipment weighing up to 25 pounds.
- Ability to participate in indoor and outdoor activities in varying weather conditions.
- Ability to respond quickly and appropriately during emergencies.
- Ability to use a computer, tablet, and other technology for lesson planning, attendance tracking, communication, and documentation.
Work Schedule
This is a part-time, school-year position supporting Beacon House's afterschool programming.
Typical Schedule
- Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 3:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
- Wednesday: 2:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Additional hours may include:
- Staff meetings and professional development
- Family engagement events
- Student showcases and celebrations
- Occasional Saturday programming or special events
- Program planning and preparation
Flexibility to work additional hours during school breaks, summer programming, or special events is preferred.
Please send a short statement of interest and your resume to [email protected] . Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: $19.00 - $24.00 per hour
Education:
- High school or equivalent (Required)
Experience:
- Working with students: 3 years (Required)
Ability to Commute:
- Washington, DC 20017 (Required)
Work Location: In person
